Bidborough U16’s victors by 105 runs

Bidborough U16 A V Speldhurst, 2nd June 2013

Bidborough travelled the well-worn route to Speldhurst for another local derby. Bidborough won the toss & elected to bat on a typical Speldhurst dead wicket.

Archie Wells & Chris Mingard opened the innings & Archie must have had his managers instructions still ringing in his ears as Archie watchfully played himself in whilst scampering between the wickets with Chris easily picking up the ones & twos.

Archie & Chris moved comfortably to a partnership of 90 in the 15th over before Archie missed a straight delivery to be bowled for a very mature 42. Chris was joined by Wilko & pair who ran virtually on every ball & turned 2’s into 3’s putting on a 44 run partnership in 4 overs before Chris had to retire after reaching his 1st 50 of the season. Combining some elegant hitting with some great running between the wickets. With the overs running out Peter T & Wilko sacrificed their wickets in the search for quick runs. Wilko making a bright 20. Reidy & Pagey adding the final touches to the innings. With Bidborough compiling a very competitive 155 off their allotted 22 overs.

With Lawrence not being available this week Dan opened the bowling with Archie coming in from the other end. It was all Speldhurst could do just hold out & it wasn’t long before the straight bowling was rewarded. After the opening burst of 4 overs Speldhurst were on their knees at 2 for 7 with Archie hitting the middle stump twice without conceding a run. The game as a contest was effectively over at this point. But Bidborough continued to ram home their dominance. The fielding was very sharp as was illustrated by the run out of the Speldhurst skipper with a great pick & intelligent throw to leave Wilko to complete easiest of run outs. Archie completed a man of the match performance taking a very sharp one handed catch at short extra cover.

Peter captained the team very well using 7 bowlers with all contributing. Leaving Speldhurst all out for 50 & Bidborough victors by 105 runs.

The bowling & fielding had matched the earlier solid batting performance and had left the manager with a warm feeling inside! Perhaps all the training & advice was starting to show in the cricket the boys are now playing.